Team USA draws Brazil in the quarterfinals and points to its 'toughness'

The wait is over, and the road to the gold medal has been paved for the eight countries that made it to the quarterfinals of the Olympics to claim basketball glory. As for Team USA, who are hailed as favorites to win, they have been drawn against Brazil in the next round and will face the South Americans on Tuesday night in Paris.

Team USA could face either Serbia or Australia in the semifinals if they advance tomorrow evening, while the first time they face France, Canada or Germany will be in the finals.

At the moment, the Americans continue 3-0 as the number 1 seed after beating Puerto Rico 104 to 83, and in theory, they face Brazil as an easy quarterfinal competition. “They're all very good, well-coached teams,” Steve Kerr said. “But Brazil is our focus.”

Quarterfinals and bracket games are scheduled for Men's basketball #Paris2024

Team USA 🇺🇸 will face Brazil 🇧🇷 in their quarterfinal match pic.twitter.com/51CdblGx9c

– The Outlet Forum (@TheOutletForum) August 3, 2024

However, the American coach is not underestimating their upcoming opponents despite their low level. “They have a big body. I think they are the number 1 team going back to the competition,” he said on Sunday. “They have a lot of really good shooters, and they play hard.”

“They compete play after play, so we're going to have to be ready for their physicality and their shooting, and we need to be sharp and ready for them because they're not going to back down,” Kerr added when talking about their game. a very effective formula, and a physical game.

LeBron James also confirmed the tough game ahead of them, especially considering that Team USA gave up more offensive rebounds than they gained. “I watched all the games,” said the Lakers star. “They are very committed to their offensive and defensive plans.”

At this point, there is no easy match. “In the spirit of the Olympics and the marathon/sprint metaphor I've used, as we've gone through, I'd call it the 800 meters,” Kerr said. “We run really hard, but it's not 100 meters.”

France vs. Canada is considered by many to be the most exciting game of this upcoming Olympic basketball quarterfinal

While all eight countries are preparing to face the knockout stages, as of Tuesday, many believe that France vs. Canada is a very exciting game. With the home team losing to Germany last weekend, they drew with an unbeaten Canadian team, who are expected to win a medal in Paris.

“I think we all have good will, and good energy,” said star Victor Wembanyama. “But now I think we have to trust the coach more, trust our teammates more and do the little things that don't show up on the stat sheets – setting screens, taking the punch out, all that.”

On the other hand, his coach believes that they can use this game for their benefit. “Now, it's ready. We will be 0-0 on Tuesday,” said Vincent Collet on Sunday. “They have more to lose than us in this position.”

Although Canada has not won Olympic silver in basketball since winning silver in 1936, star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is confident they can beat any team put in front of them. “We played a lot of really good teams, we beat them all,” said the Thunder guard. “There are things we can clean up for sure, but we will take them.”